Prayer

Loving Creator,

You see beyond all appearances to look into our hearts and, there, in the quiet of our spirits, you speak life and peace and everything essential for our life and growth as persons in community. Help us to learn better each day how we might be able to do the same thing. In our relationships with friends and neighbors, with family and colleagues, and especially with those who are marginalized or otherwise vulnerable—empower us to see with the heart and speak words of truth, which can release your life-giving power everywhere we live, work, and play. Amen.

Prayer

Lord of all,

We often mistake success and material gain for what truly matters in life. Yet, when we live out our call to share the compassion of Jesus, we come to see that life’s fullness is found in service, love, and justice. It is in uplifting others and honoring the dignity of each person that we experience true joy. Help us to focus not on what we have, but on how we give. In our desire to share your love, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Creator of Mother Earth,

In his Canticle of the Sun, St. Francis of Assisi refers to Sister Mother Earth who sustains and governs us. We, as human beings, are deeply connected to her, born from her soil and returning to her in death. Today, as we pause for prayer, we celebrate Earth, the very essence of our physical selves, and the senses that allow us to encounter our Creator God in all aspects of the universe. May we always honor this sacred connection, cherishing the gift of creation and finding your presence in its beauty and wonder. May we live out our Bon Secours Mercy Health mission to care for this Earth, both now and in the days to come. Amen.

Prayer

Life Abundant,

In the wake of Pope Francis' death today, we pause at the beginning of our celebration of this Easter season, to give thanks for this humble servant, and for his life's witness to your liberating love and compassion. We ask you to console the mourning and to guide your people with wisdom and courage in the days ahead. As we today continue Jesus' ministry to the vulnerable and marginalized, let our commitment to service reflect more and more of your own heart for the life of the world. We make our prayer through Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.

Prayer

Ever-living God,

Your power over death is our salvation! And so, we give thanks and praise today for the victory of Jesus’ resurrection, and we invite you to fill us with a hope that inspires all those we encounter. For those who are especially burdened right now with the pain of suffering or a sense of despair, let your light shine through us as we serve them with both skill and compassion, sharing your abundant life in concrete ways. Amen.

Prayer

God over all,

We live in a culture awash with strong opinions piled on top of each other rather than shared constructively in a spirit of freedom and unity. Deliver us as citizens, from every temptation to put ideology ahead of people, as if our commitment to ideas could ever be more important than the call to respond to a neighbor in need. Instead let us open our hearts and minds first and foremost to your word and receive your spirit, that we might be healed of division, think for ourselves in new ways, and discover fresh ways forward in service to the common good. Amen.

Prayer
Gracious God,

On this most solemn day, we pause to reflect on the depth of love and sacrifice shown through Jesus' death. His willingness to give Himself for our sins opened the door to new life for all. May His selfless example inspire us to give of ourselves for the good of others, to act with compassion, and to walk our own journeys with the same grace, love, and hope that He carried on that first Good Friday. Keep us ever mindful of this profound gift and guide us to live lives worthy of His sacrifice. Amen.